Realist art attempts to portray its subject matter without artifice. Similar to naturalism, authentic realist paintings and prints see an integration of true-to-life colors, meticulous detail and linear perspectives for accurate portrayals of the world.
Work that involves illusionistic techniques of realism dates back to the classical world, such as the deceptive trompe l’oeil used since ancient Greece. Art like this became especially popular in the 17th century when Dutch artists like Evert Collier painted objects that appeared real enough to touch. Realism as an artistic movement, however, usually refers to 19th-century French realist artists such as Honoré Daumier exploring social and political issues in biting lithographic prints, while the likes of Gustave Courbet and Jean-François Millet painting people — particularly the working class — with all their imperfections, navigating everyday urban life. This was a response to the dominant academic art tradition that favored grand paintings of myth and history.
By the turn of the 20th century, European artists, such as the Pre-Raphaelites, were experimenting with nearly photographic realism in their work, as seen in the attention to every botanical attribute of the flowers surrounding the drowned Ophelia painted by English artist John Everett Millais.
Although abstraction was the guiding style of 20th-century art, the realism trend in American modern art endured in Edward Hopper, Andrew Wyeth and other artists’ depictions of the complexities of the human experience. In the late 1960s, Photorealism emerged with artists like Chuck Close and Richard Estes giving their paintings the precision of a frame of film.
Contemporary artists such as Jordan Casteel, LaToya Ruby Frazier and Aliza Nisenbaum are now using the unvarnished realist approach for honest representations of people and their worlds. Alongside traditional mediums, technology such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence and immersive installations are helping artists create new sensations of realism in art.
Find authentic realist paintings, sculptures, prints and more art on 1stDibs.
Hyperreal Light Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture with Droplets
Located in East Quogue, NY
Light purple hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture with glass droplets by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandbla...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Approx. Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each balloon) Dylan Martine...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Light Blue Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Light blue hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. These hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble r...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Yellow, Blue, Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture Set (Trio)
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 3 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Approx. Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Yellow, Blue, Purple Hyperreal Glass Balloon Sculpture Set (Trio)
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 3 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Approx. Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Large & Small Hyperreal Blue Glass Balloon Sculptures
Located in East Quogue, NY
Pair of Small & Large Hyperreal Blue Glass Water Balloon Sculptures by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblas...
Glass, Blown Glass
Chickadee Box
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original bronze sculpture by artist Melissa Cooper. Edition 15/35.
Bronze
Hyperreal Lemonade Yellow Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal lemonade yellow glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etc...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Balloon Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Pair of Hyperreal Purple Glass Balloon Sculptures
Located in East Quogue, NY
Pair of Hyperreal purple glass water balloon sculptures by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etched to resemble real water balloons. The sculptures are made in small batches, and each color is hand-mixed. Each piece is unique and is signed on the base by the artist. Material: Hot sculpted, sandblasted, acid-etched solid glass Approx. Size: 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 × 4 1/2 inches (each) hyperrealism, glass sculpture, glass balloon...
Glass, Blown Glass
"Cowrie Shell" (2024) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Cowrie Shell" (2015) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts the shell of a cowrie. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual animals and botanical...
Bronze
Donut - Unique 3 foot Large Frosted Donut with Sprinkles sculpture/sign
Located in New York, NY
Donut with Sprinkles – Large 3-Foot Pop Art Sculpture 🍩✨ 📏 Size: 3 Feet (36 Inches) – Oversized Statement Piece 🎨 Style: Pop Art, Americana, Vintage Advertising, Retro Decor 🏗 Material: Durable, Hand-Painted This large, eye-catching donut sculpture...
Steel
Hyperreal Dark Purple Glass Balloon Sculpture with Droplets
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dark purple hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture with glass droplets by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblas...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Colored Glass Balloon Sculptures - Set of 5
Located in East Quogue, NY
Set of 5 hyperreal glass water balloon sculpture installation by Dylan Martinez. Made of 100% hot-sculpted glass. Balloon Size: 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 inches (each) Dylan Martinez’s hype...
Glass, Blown Glass
Hyperreal Forest Green Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Dark forest green glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. 100% hot sculpted glass. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblas...
Glass, Blown Glass
St Paul's Cathedral
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A new work by the artist
Mixed Media, Archival Paper
Hyperreal Bright Yellow Glass Balloon Sculpture
Located in East Quogue, NY
Hyperreal bright yellow glass water balloon sculpture by Dylan Martinez. Dylan Martinez’s hyperrealistic water balloons are made of solid sculpted glass sandblasted and acid-etche...
Glass, Blown Glass
Ceramic Wall Sculpture of Crow #16
By Karla Walter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cv upon request Karla Walter is an American artist who explores similarities between the social interactions among crows and that of individuals in our society. Karla Walter went to ...
Ceramic, Glaze
Ceramic Wall Sculpture of Crow #12 with Crystal in Beak
By Karla Walter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cv upon request Karla Walter is an American artist who explores similarities between the social interactions among crows and that of individuals in our society. Karla Walter went to ...
Ceramic, Glaze
Chip Chip Hooray
Located in Columbia, MO
Thomas Pfannerstill has worked as a full-time studio artist since 1986, following his education at Western Kentucky University (BFA 1975). He currently resides and works in Louisvill...
Wood, Acrylic
$1,500
"Boa (9/21)" (2014) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Still Life Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Boa" (2014) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that perfectly captures the detail of a boa constrictor snake.
Bronze
"Turtle Pad" (2024) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Turtle Pad" (2024) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts two turtles, one standing on top of the other. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual...
Bronze
$2,400
"Honesty Candle Holders" (2015) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Honesty Candle Holders" (2015) are original handmade candle holders made from bronze. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual animals and botanical subjects. H...
Bronze
Ceramic Wall Sculpture of Crow #15
By Karla Walter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cv upon request Karla Walter is an American artist who explores similarities between the social interactions among crows and that of individuals in our society. Karla Walter went to ...
Ceramic, Glaze
Italian Big Scale Hand Carved Table Top Wood Lion Sculpture
Located in Firenze, IT
This 19th century big scale Italian animalier sculpure features a lion striding forward on a root-wood base, snarling with open mouth and expressive eyes enlivening its rippling mane with an extremely realistic sense of motion. The wooden statue, wonderful as a table top, is entirely hand carved in the round in a single block of solid olive wood, sign of high quality and sculptural artisanal mastery. An original whimsical and impressive centerpiece clearly sculpted by a true artist who carved the block of wood creating this figure of the proudest feline boasting a detailed study of the lion's anatomy.The features on the face, mane, muscles, tail and the paws are still distinctive and full of character as well as the beautifully carved stand. This sculpture boasts smooth surface and a warm patina developed over centuries and exudes wonderful quality and timelessness of the ancient world. The rich original patina brings further intrigue to its intricately carved details. This hand carved wooden lion statue is a great looking antique centrepiece...
Wood
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Medium Sail Boat
Located in Fairfield, CT
Pedro's sculpture's are whimsical and sophisticated. The sailboat series is affordable for the work involved in creating them. His use of mixed media gives the sculptures a unique ...
Steel
Fruity Cup (Honduras)
Located in Columbia, MO
Thomas Pfannerstill has worked as a full-time studio artist since 1986, following his education at Western Kentucky University (BFA 1975). He currently resides and works in Louisvill...
Wood, Acrylic
$5,400
"Seated Frog Fountain" (2024) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Seated Frog Fountain" (2015) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts a frog sitting on a rock. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual animals an...
Bronze
Pelican's
Located in Columbia, MO
Thomas Pfannerstill has worked as a full-time studio artist since 1986, following his education at Western Kentucky University (BFA 1975). He currently resides and works in Louisvill...
Wood, Acrylic
$2,400
"Rough Skinned Newt" (2023) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Rough Skinned Newt" (2022) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts a newt curiously looking upwards. Tony Hochstetler is a sculptor of unusual anim...
Granite, Bronze
Ceramic, Swarovski Crystals, Wall Sculpture of Crow Head
By Karla Walter
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Cv upon request Karla Walter is an American artist who explores similarities between the social interactions among crows and that of individuals in our society. Karla Walter went to ...
Ceramic, Glaze
"Pitcher Plants and Frog" (2016) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Pitcher Plants and Frog" (2016) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts a small frog standing under 3 pitcher plants. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculpto...
Bronze
$2,798
Goblets XXV, Sweet wrapper art, contemporary wall sculpture, conversation art
Located in Deddington, GB
Goblets XXV is a signed original wall sculpture made from sweet wrappers by Joanne Tinker of a selection of colourful wine goblets on a black shelved frame. Joanne Tinker wall sculpt...
Metal, Foil
Cane Corso Dog Bust, Patinated Bronze Sculpture
Located in Long Island City, NY
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of dog, for years valued highly in Italy as a companion, guardian and hunter. This bronze bust is a loveable, lifelike r...
Bronze
$450
"Spicy (14/21)" (2022) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Food Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Spicy" (2022) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts a red chili. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual animals and botanical subjects. His r...
Bronze
"Eucalyptus Candle Holder" (2024) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Eucalyptus Candle Holders" (2024) is an original handmade bronze candle holders that are made to look like eucalyptus plants. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of u...
Bronze
"Honesty Plant" (2023) By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Sculpture
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Honesty Plant" (2023) is an original handmade sculpture made from bronze and dyed flamed maple. TONY HOCHSTETLER is a sculptor of unusual animals and botanical s...
Bronze
$2,100
"Hot Wings Wall Mount" By Tony Hochstetler, Original Bronze Wall Installation
Located in Denver, CO
Tony Hochstetler's "Hot Wings Wall Mount (8/21)" (2022) is an original handmade bronze sculpture that depicts a dried peppers with a bat flying downwards. Tony Hochstetler is a scul...
Bronze
A Week of Coffee
Located in Columbia, MO
Thomas Pfannerstill has worked as a full-time studio artist since 1986, following his education at Western Kentucky University (BFA 1975). He currently resides and works in Louisvill...
Wood, Acrylic
All Catch No Release
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original bronze sculpture by artist Stefan Savides. Edition 19/35.
Bronze
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Boat with Sunset Sail
Located in Fairfield, CT
Pedro's sculpture's are whimsical and sophisticated. The sailboat series is affordable for the work involved in creating them. His use of mixed media gives the sculptures a unique ...
Steel
Bronze and steel sculpture by David Kimball Anderson 'Untitled 1'
Located in White Plains, NY
'Untitled 1' by David Kimball Anderson, 2021. Bronze, steel, and paint, 18 x 8 x 8 in. This sculpture features a rounded vase cast in bronze and finished in patinas of grey. It featu...
Bronze, Steel
$3,950
Summer Transits Sculpture, Bronze Steel Paint, Realist, 2017, 22.5 in
Located in White Plains, NY
“Summer Transits” by David Kimball Anderson, 2017. Bronze, steel, and paint, 22½ x 14 x 6 inches. This sculpture features a square vase in a bright red patina. The flowers are painte...
Bronze, Steel
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Located in Colorado Springs, CO
Original wall-hanging bronze sculpture by artist Andrea Wilkinson.
Bronze